The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) has received its first helicopter Mi-38PSa model developed specifically for search and rescue missions in extreme environments, including the Arctic zone and the strategic Northern Sea Route.
According to the ministry’s official statement, the Russian Helicopters holding has completed the initial delivery of four Mi-38PS units produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. This is the first delivery in a state contract covering a total of five units of the model.
The first helicopter was allocated to Khabarovsk Aero-Rescue Center (AERC), making it a unit Mi-38PS the first to be included in the ministry’s operational fleet.
Increased Capacity for Missions in Extreme Conditions
The Mi-38PS features significant improvements in technical and operational performance, designed to operate in Russia’s most challenging climatic and geographical conditions.
Key specifications include:
- Maximum take-off weight: 16,5 tons
- Internal payload capacity: up to 4.5 tonnes
- External hanging load: up to 5 tonnes
- Passenger capacity: up to 40 people
- Maximum speed: 300 km/h
- Flight distance: up to 1,500 km
- Operating temperature range: from -52°C to +52°C
To extend flight endurance, this model is equipped with two additional fuel tanks.
Firefighting and Oil Spill Response
In addition to traditional search and rescue missions, the Mi-38PS will play a strategic role in firefighting as well as mitigating environmental disasters, especially accidental oil product spills.
For the first time in this class of helicopter, an integrated exhaust system and air spray system are installed. The equipment allows the application of chemical dispersants and biological agents directly over contaminated areas, increasing the effectiveness of countermeasure operations in remote areas.
Delivery Plan until 2025
Within the framework of the state contract, EMERCOM received a total of five helicopters in 2025: four Mi-38PS and one Mi-8MTV-1.
For this year, delivery of an additional six units is planned — five Mi-38PS and one Mi-8MTV-1.
The new units will be distributed to aero-rescue complexes in Krasnoyarsk and Khabarovsk, strengthening the ministry’s rapid response capabilities in Russia’s strategic northern and far eastern regions.
Source and image: Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia | Telegram @mchs_official @rostecru. This content was created with the help of AI and has been reviewed by the editorial team.
